Method of repairing plastic pipe



March 2, 1965 D. BLACK METHOD OF REPAIRING PLASTIC PIPE 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Dec. 27. 1960 I mwgmvm s WW 3 March 2, 1965 D. E. BLACK 3,171,419

METHOD OF REPAIRING PLASTIC PIPE Filed Dec. 27. 1960 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN V EN TOR. fiouamsfi BLACK.

ATZWRNEK March 2, 1965 D. E. BLACK METHOD OF REPAIRING PLASTIC PIPE I5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed D80. 27, 1960 INVENTOR. 000 .445 552 4cm & M ATTORNEX United States Patent METHOD OF REPAIRING PLASTIC PIPE Douglas E. Black, 2044 W. Palo Verde Drive, Phoenix, Ariz., assignor of twenty-two and one-half percent each to James B. Ledford and Quinton R. Ford and five percent to Joseph J. Bangora, all of Phoenix, Ariz.

Filed Dec. 27, 1960, Ser. No. 78,696 4 Claims. (Cl. 137-15) Plastic pipe carrying natural gas and other fluids presents many problems. Among these problems was the fact no suitable or safe way was heretofore available for shutting off the flow in the plastic pipe when an emergency arose, except to go to a valve which might shut down a large number of customers between the valve and the break in the line. Most breaks are caused by workers excavating or running ditches across the plastic lines.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling a plastic pipe line for making repairs with a minimum of effort and time being expended and with a maximum of safety for the workers repairing the line.

Another object is to provide a method of repairing plastic pipe by which one may reach down in a trench and grip a plastic pipe line behind the break and immediately shut off the gas and to proceed to repair the break without inconvenience to customers who might otherwise have been shut off by the prior methods. Should the break be in a service line only then only a particular customer would be out of gas for a short time while repairs were made.

Previous to the instant developments it was the practice to sometimes repair a damaged pipe line hot or by jumping in a new section of pipe without shutting off the flow of gas. Such unsatisfactory and unsafe procedures are completely eliminated by the present method.

Another object of this invention is to provide a method for repairing plastic pipeline which makes possible a cheaper installation of the pipeline as no valves are necessary in a plurality of places as in former practice and the problems of sticking valves and their improper operation are avoided.

Another object is to provide a plastic pipe control method which greatly improves public safety by being able to shut off the fire hazard of escaping gas during national emergencies and catastrophies.

Further features and advantages of this invention will appear from a detailed description of the drawings in which:

{FIG 1 is a side elevation of a plastic pipe squeezing device incorporating features of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a, front elevation of the device shown in FIG. 1.

\FIG. 3 is a fragmentary enlarged section; on the line ss of FIGS. 1 and 5.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary enlarged section on the line 44 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4a is an enlarged view showing the toggle linkage in intermediate position.

FIG. 4b is an enlarged view showing the toggle linkage in overcenter locked position.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary enlarged section on the line 55 of FIGS. 1 and 3.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged section of a pipe stopper, indicated on the line 66 of FIG. 7, utilized in connection with this invention.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged section of the apparatus shown on the line 7-7 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a side elevation of a pipe patch clamp shown in open position.

FIG. 9 is a side elevation of the pipe patch clamp of A FIG. 8, shown in closed clamping position.

3,171,419 Patented Mar. 2, 1965 ice FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of a plastic pipe patch and coupling member.

FIG. 11 is a view showing a damaged plastic pipe about to be repaired.

FIG. 12 is a view, similar to FIG. 11, showing the pipe squeezed off and a patch applied.

FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 11 but showing the pipe squeezed off and a pipe stopper applied to the end of the pipe.

FIG. 14 shows the pipe of FIG. 13 fully repaired.

As an example of one embodiment of this invention there is shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, inclusive, a pipe squeezing and shutting off tool comprising a hollow tubular body member 29 to the lower end of which is fixed the elongated oval casing 21. To the lower end of the casing 21 is fixed the guide bushing sleeves 22 which in turn has the guide bushings 23 fixed to its lower end and the half-bushings 24 fixed to its upper end. A pair of L-shaped jaw members 25 have horizontal portions 26 securely welded together at 27, and vertically disposed portions 28 which slide axially in the bores 29 and 30 of the bushings 23 and 24. The upper ends 31 of the portions 28 of the L-shaped member 25 are rigidly fixed to the lower ends of the operating rod 32. which extends upwardly through the tubular body member 24 The operating rod 32 may be reciprocated relative to the body member 26 by any suitable manually operated or power operated mechanism. One example of such mechanism is that shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 4a and 4b wherein the upper end of the rod 32 is provided with threads 33 upon which is adjustably threadedly mounted the handle 34. A sleeve 35 is slidably mounted on the operating rod 32 and has its upper end in abutting contact with the thrust washer 36 which in turn abuts the lower end of the handle 34. The handle 34 is provided for gripping and manipulating the pipe squeezer in presenting it on the pipe tobe squeezed. It further provides the adjusting means for setting the pipe engaging elements before squeezing the pipe. The sleeve 35 is pivotally connected at 37 to a pair of toggle links 38 which in turn are pivotally connected at 39 to a pair of operating links 40 to which is fixed the operating lever 41. The other end of the operating links 40 are pivotally connected at 42 to toggle links 43 which in turn are pivotally connected at 44 to the upper end of the body member 20. When the operating lever 41 is in lowered position as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, sleeve 35 is lowered to allow the rod 32 to drop the jaw members 25 to lowered position.

Gripping the handle 34 with one hand, the operating lever 41 is gripped with the other hand and the squeezer placed over the pipe 49. The lever 41 is then swung upwardly so that the toggle links are moved to the intermediate position shown in FIG. 4a. As the lever 41 is initially raised the cross bar 168 of the links 43 engages the abutment surface 109 of the lug 110 rigidly fixed to the tubular body member 20. In the initial raising of the lever 41 the cross bar 111 of the links 38 may engage the abutment surface 112 of the lug 113 fixed to the sleeve 35 to initiate the operation of the toggle linkage as the operating lever 41 is raised. The cross bars 108 and 111 are so positioned relative to their respective lugs 108 and 111 so that both cross bars do not simultaneously engage the lug during operation of the lever 41 but slight clearance is provided as at 114 in FIG. 4a to prevent binding of the linkage.

When the lever 41 is swung upwardly to position 41a, as shown in FIG. 4b, the toggle links are straightened out and moved just over center to hold sleeve 35 in upper position against the thrust washer 36 and handle 34 cansing the jaw members 25 to be moved and locked in raised position. Under these conditions cross bar 108 engages the tubular body member 20 at the point to stop the pivot connection 42 over center, to thelleft ofthe center line 7, V

116, FIG. 4b, of relative movement of the member and operating rod 32. Similarly,v the cross bar 111 engages the sleeve at the point 117 to stop the pivot connection 39 over center, to the right of the center line 116, 7

FIG. 4b. Thus both sets of toggle links 43-40 and 38 are locked in overcenter position with the pipe fully squeezed shut. A stop collarllS lockedto the operating rod 32 by a. suitable set screw 119 is engaged by the bottom end 121 of the sleeve 35 just as the toggle'sl43- 40' and 3 840"are moved outof'overcenter locking position as lever 41 is moved back to open released position so downwardly to open L-shaped jaw members 25 is the pipe engaging V-shaped member 50, FIGS. 2,' 12 and 13, having fixed theretoa pair of support rings. 51, which loosely fit over the horizontal portions 26 A block 52 fixed to the rings 51 and 1 carrying a screw 53 serves to position the piper ell--- gaging member to the L-shaped jawmembers-ZS so that the V-shaped member 50 is free to rock on the V horizontalportions 26. ,The L.-shaped.rnembers'25 'aref bent a few'degrees beyondQO degreesto allow for the nor mal spring or give in the Lshaped members 25 during the squeezing operation'to take care of variations in the setting of handle 34 for over-center locking offthe toggle and the pipe engaging member 50' is rockingly heldin. place by the rings 51 and lug 122 onthe portions 2610f.

' i a at 71 with the second clamp arm'68 and at 72 with the handle 67 serves to normally swing the clamp arms 66 'and 68 to open position away from each other. A suitable toggle actuating mechanism is provided for swinging the arms 66 and 68'relative toeach other and to lock them in closed clamping position, such mechanism/comprising. the operating lever 73' pivotallymounted at its inner end on a pin .74'carriedfin the arm 68. Atoggle link 75 is pivotally mounted at one end on a pin 76intermediate the ends of the operating lever '73, the; other rounded end '77 of the toggle link75 engaging the inner end '78 of the adjustable abutment screw 79 carried in the outer endfof the handle67. A toggle-release lever fitlis pivotally mounted ,on a pin 81 on the operating lever '73 Sand hasan extension portion 1'82 adapted to.

engage the abutment :lug 83 of thetoggle link 75 to release the toggle pivots: 74' 76'77-78 from over center "clamping position, FIG. 9; when desired.

Arcua'te'semncylindrical patch holding and applying jaws 84 and 85 are pivotally hinged together by a pin 86, jaw 84' being pivotally connected by a ,.pin,87 to the outer end of thearm fi while the jaw 85,.is piv otally connected b'y a pin 88 to the outer end of the arm 68. f Rods 89 and 99 are fixed at 91 to the'respective jaws Stand 85 and extend rearwardly and terminate in bent ends 92;. between whieh is'connected a tension spring 93 iwhereby the jaws 84 and 85,,are nor mally swungtoopen positionronthe pivot pins '87 and Sit-as the'arms f65 and 68 are swung :to open'position bathe-handled? and lever 73;;f Fixed to the outer ends of the armszdand 68 are; thepickfingers 94 and 95 having'turned ever end surfaces'96 adapted to engage the. edges 91 of the patch member 64, when the the members ,25rto thus effect proper seating of the edge 54 on the pipe relative to the'cooperating edge 48 of the anvil.

The-pipe engaging 'member .501has a slightly roundedlpipe engaging edge 54 and adjacent angular'ly related side faces adapted to-engage the pipe49 atdiametrically opposite positions from-the point'of engage- 1 mentfof the pipe engagingedge 48iwith the pipe. The guide lug. 122 is fixed to thepipe engagingrnember 50 and v. 5

slides up-andrdown between the jaw members 25 to maintainlthe pipe engagingv edge in alignment with the pipe engaging edge 48.

In order to prevent damage to the pipe when it is.

squeezed between the. pipe engaging edges 48 and 49,

there is provided a pair' of stop lugs and 56 having upwardly facing V-notches 57 which receive each end of the. pipe. engaging edge 48 0f the anvil 47 so thatewhen the toggle operated by the lever Allis locked in overcenter squeezedp osition for the pipe, 1 16.412, the stop lugs- 55 FIG. 9, so that the unit maybe released for other Work device is in open-fposition'as shown in Fl G. '8} As the device is closedjabout the pipe 49 {to be repaired and sealed, the jaws .84' and'85 relatively move with 'respect-to the arms 66 and as was to automatically cause .2 the pick fingers 94 and 9 5" to'withdraw from the edge" 97 ofthefpatch member 64, allowing it to properly seat itself in sealing relationship about the pipe; this action. 'beingdue to thefpivotcposition =86 of the hinged jaws 84 .and 85 beingxofrset: from the pivot' pin 69 of the arms ae-and 6 8 of:the device. If desired suitable clamp wires maybe applied'around the ends 0f the patch member :64 after it has beenvapplied to the pipe as in without waiting for the plastic cement to setup.

":1, In certain'instances, FIG. 13, it may be. desired to cutroif theda maged pip'eportion. after the pipe squeezer,

and 56 hold' the pipe engaging'edge's 48 and 54 spaced f an accurate'parallel distance apart equal tosubstantially twice the walljthickness of the pipe 49." Further; in order; 7 to maintain the pipe engaging edgesxts and 54in they a same vertical plane during the squeezing operation there is'provided a downwardly extending guidepin SS fixed to the outer end of the pipe engaging anvil 47 which,

enters the slot. 59 formed by; the'v ertical Sides6tl and 61 in the outer end of the pipe. engagingfmember fitl.

p In repairing a damaged pipe-49 in'an emergency having;

a break 62, FIG. 11' for example, the pipe squeezing 'tool shown in FIGS. 1' to 5 is applied to the pipe to squeeze it off 'as showne in FIG. 12. The break 62-may then be repaired by placing a patching member 64; FIG;

10,; over the break 62 and clamping the patch in place after applyingsuitable plastie cement to the; outside pipe surface and the insidesurfa'ce -of-the patch.

The .patch164 is preferably applied by a novel patch appl-ier and cla mp device as shown in FIGSQ B and 9,

,comprising'a first clamp arm66ha'ving an integral handle 67 to which is pivotally mounted asecondclamp'arm68 a by a suitable pin 69. A tension spring 7% interconnected FIGS. 1tof5. has been-applied. A;pipestopper indicated. gener'ally at 99 may thenbefappliedto the end of the pipe so that the pipe squeezermay then be released for further use elsewhere. The pipe "stopper 99 may preferably comprise a ,pipe 'end engaging portion idiihavi'ngia slightly tapered bore ltll'adapted to be slipped over the end 102" of the pipe49' andhaving a threaded pipe nipple 193fto' which may be connected a suitable shut-oh? valvev 143,4 anda-discharge hose coupang Rhea. The pipe stopper99 isclampeid to the pipe 49, With valve I04 opem-byjmeans of atoggle clamp similar to that described in FIG. 8 in which the arm I 68 is rigidly fixed to the integral 'arcuate semi-cylindrical extension N5 of the pipe end' engaging portion 100 of the pipe stopper. The other arm 66 has an arcuate semicylindrical'pressure"member 106fixed to its outer end adapted to engage the pipe v.49'to clamp ittothe extension 165, the pressure in the .pipe; after valve 104 is closed, serving'to'maintainan effective seal in the tapered bore 1% of thedeyiee afterit'is clamped on the pipe by the apparatus as describedgfA pressureihose may 'be coupled to hose connector 104a and *with valve 104,

' pressurej n'iay be applied to-t est .the patchedlinel The end'stoppercant' also be used for-stoppingfi'ow if squeezer is' notavailable by opening valve 104-to relievezpres sure while applying the stopper to the end of the pipe, and then shutting off the valve.

In some instances some leaks 62 may be repaired hot, but that is with pressure in the line 49. This can be readily done by cleaning and doping the area of the pipe adjacent the break and the inside of the patching member 64 and then clamping the patch in place over the break. The clamp arrangement of FIGS. 8 and 9 has ample capacity to perform the operation even though pressure is escaping from the break at the time of application of the patch to the pipe.

After a suitable new piece of pipe 49a has been in serted in place of the damaged or destroyed section, FIG. 14, and couplings 64a suitably applied, it is desirable to apply a patch over the squeezed portion 107 to be sure any minor fissures or cracks which may have developed in the pipe during the squeezing operation are positively sealed and the pipe restored to cylindrical shape again.

The end stopper or pipe stopper 99 is used by the trouble man so he can remove his squeezer and be ready to use it for another emergency as end stoppers are much cheaper than the pipe squeezers. After the end stopper has been applied and the pipe squeezer removed as recited above, the repair crew then completes the pipe repair. This is done by preferably wrapping the pipe with a few turns of glass tape and applying the pipe squeezer over the glass tape and squeezing the pipe oif. The glass tape tends to protect the pipe from cracking and fissures during the squeezing operation. The end stopper is then removed and the pipe repaired as shown in FIG. 14. The squeezer and glass tape are then removed and a protective patch applied to the squeezed portion of the pipe to complete the job.

While the method herein disclosed and described constitutes a preferred form of the invention, it is also to be understood that the method is capable of alteration without departing from the spirit of the invention and that such alteration and commercial adaptation of the method as fall within the scope of the appended claims are intended to be included herein.

Having thus fully set forth and described this invention what is claimed and desired to be obtained by United States Letters Patent is:

1. The method of controlling the flow in and repairing plastic pipe comprising the steps of:

(a) squeezing off a plastic pipe by applying a sharp line of pressure laterally of the pipe from diametrically opposite sides in a plane perpendicular to the pipe axis and to a spaced accurate parallel distance apart each side of the pipe axis equal to substantially twice the wall thickness of the pipe,

(b) repairing the damaged portion of said pipe while thus squeezed off to arrest flow therein by applying a longitudinally split cylindrical patch thereto by first engaging an intermediate portion of the bore diametrically opposite the split of said patch against said pipe and progressively wrapping each semicylindrical portion of said patch around opposite sides of said pipe toward the split in said patch,

(0) applying means to secure said patch on said pipe after applying said patch as recited in item (b),

(d) releasing said squeezing ofi pressure from said (e) and finally applying a longitudinally split cylindrical patch to said squeezed portion of said pipe by first engaging an intermediate portion of the bore diametrically opposite the split of said patch against said pipe at the squeezed portion and progressively wrapping the semi-cylindrical portions of said patch around opposite sides of said squeezed portion toward the split in said patch while at the same time restoring said squeezed portion of said pipe to its original true cylindrical shape.

2. The method of controlling the flow in and repairing plastic pipe comprising the steps of:

(a) squeezing oil? a plastic pipe by applying a sharp line of pressure laterally of the pipe from diametrically opposite sides in a plane perpendicular to the pipe axis and to a spaced accurate parallel distance apart each side of the pipe axis equal to substantially twice the wall thickness of the pipe,

(b) repairing the damaged portion of said pipe while thus squeezed 01? to arrest flow therein by applying a longitudinally split cylindrical patch thereto by first engaging an intermediate portion of the bore diametrically opposite the split of said patch against said pipe and progressively wrapping each semicylindrical portion of said patch around opposite sides of said pipe toward the split in said patch,

(c) applying means to secure said patch on said pipe after applying said patch as recited in item (b),

(d) releasing said squeezing oh. pressure from said (e) applying a longitudinally split cylindrical patch to said squeezed portion of said pipe by first engaging an intermediate portion of the bore diametrically opposite the split of said patch against said pipe at the squeezed portion and progressively wrapping the semi-cylindrical portions of said patch around opposite sides of said squeezed portion toward the split in said patch while at the same time restoring said squeezed portion of said pipe to its original true cylindrical shape,

(1) and finally applying means to secure said patch on the squeezed portion of said pipe after applying said patch as recited in item (e).

3. The method of controlling the flow in and repairing plastic pipe comprising the steps of:

(a) wrapping a protective coating of glass tape on the plastic pipe portion to be squeezed,

(b) squeezing oif the plastic pipe by applying a sharp line of pressure laterally on the glass tape on said pipe from diametrically opposite sides in a plane perpendicular to the pipe axis and to a spaced accurate parallel distance apart each side of the pipe axis equal to substantially twice the Wall thickness of the pipe,

(0) repairing the damaged portion of said pipe While thus squeezed oif to arrest flow therein by applying a longitudinally split cylindrical patch thereto by first engaging an intermediate portion of the bore diametrically opposite the split of said patch against said pipe and progressively wrapping each semicylindrical portion of said patch around opposite sides of said pipe toward the split in said patch,

(d) applying means to secure said patch on said pipe after said patch as recited in item (0),

(e) and finally releasing said squeezing off pressure from said pipe.

4. The method of controlling the flow in and repairing plastic pipe comprising the steps of:

(a) wrapping a protective coating of glass tape on the plastic pipe portion to be squeezed,

(b) squeezing off the plastic pipe by applying a sharp line of pressure laterally on the glass tape on said pipe from diametrically opposite sides in a plane perpendicular to the pipe axis and to a spaced accurate parallel distance apart each side of the pipe axis equal to substantially twice the wall thickness of the pipe.

(0) repairing the damaged portion of said pipe while thus squeezed oii to arrest flow therein by applying a longitudinally split cylindrical path thereto by first engaging an intermediate portion of the bore diametrically opposite the split of said patch against said pipe and progressively wrapping each semi (d) applying means to secure said patch 'on said pipe after said patch as recited in item (0),

(e) releasing said squeezing 01f pressure from said, -5

p p I I I i (f) removing said glass tape from the squeezed portion of said plastic pipe, f

drical patch to'said squeezed portion'of said pipe by first engaging an intermediate portionof the 7 (g) and finally applying a longitudinally split cylinbore diametrically opposite the split of said patch,

against saidpipe at the squeezed portion and progressively wrapping thesemi-cylindricalportion of said patch around opposite sides of 'said squeezed portion toward'the split in said-patch while at the same time restoring said squeezed portion of said pipe to its original true cylindrical shape.

ReferencesCitegl by the Examiner UNITED Y STATES PATENTS 597,443 4 Thomas 2518 Towers 2517 Christman 13889 McGilvray, 137-15 Reggitts 8l.5';1 Witt 13,7--3'34 XR Jordan VISADORQWEIL, Primary Examine, 

1. THE METHOD OF CONTROLING THE FLOW IN AND REPAIRING PLASTIC PIPE COMPRISING THE STEPS OF: (A) SQUEEZING OFF A PLASTIC PIPE BY APPLYING A SHARP LINE OF PRESSURE LATERALLY OF THE PIPE FROM DIAMETRICALLY OPPOSITE SIDES IN A PLANE PERPENDICULAR TO THE PIPE AXIS AND TO A SPACED ACCURATE PARALLEL DISTANCE APART EACH SIDE OF THE PIPE AXIS EQUAL TO SUBSTANTIALLY TWICE THE WALL THICKNESS OF THE PIPE. (B) REPAIRING THE DAMAGED PORTION OF SAID PIPE WHILE THUS SQUEEZED OFF TO ARREST FLOW THEREIN BY APPLYING A LONGITUDINALLY SPLIT CYLINDRICAL PATCH THERETO BY FIRST ENGAGING AN INTERMEDIATE PORTION OF THE BORE DIAMETRICALLY OPPOSITE THE SPLIT OF SAID PATCH AGAINST SAID PIPE AND PROGRESSIVELY WRAPPING EACH SEMICYLINDRICAL PORTION OF SAID PATCH AROUND OPPOSITE SIDES OF SAID PIPE TOWARD THE SPLIT IN SAID PATCH, (C) APPLYING MEANS TO SECURE SAID PATCH ON SAID PIPE AFTER APPLYING SAID PATCH AS RECITED IN ITEM (B), (D) RELEASING SAID SQUEEZING OFF PRESSURE FROM SAID PIPE, (E) AND FINALLY APPLYING A LONGITUDINALLY SPLIT CYLINDRICAL PATCH TO SAID SQUEEZED PORTION OF SAID PIPE BY FIRST ENGAGING AN INTERMEDIATE PORTION OF THE BORE DIAMETRICALLY OPPOSITE THE SPLIT OF SAID PATCH AGAINST SAID PIPE AT THE SQUEEZED PORTION AND PROGRESSIVELY WRAPPING THE SEMI-CYLINDRICAL PORTIONS OF SAID PATCH AROUND OPPOSITE SIDES OF SAID SQUEEZED PORTION TOWARD THE SPLIT IN SAID PATCH WHILE AT THE SAME TIME RESTORING SAID SQUEEZED PORTION OF SAID PIPE TO ITS ORIGINAL TRUE CYLINDRICAL SHAPE. 